best year ITR for auto-x

[aansorge]

I doubt there is a huge difference, but which year of ITR is best for autocrossing? I am thinking about purchasing an ITR next spring am curious as to what the differences are between the years.

Elsewhere on this forum I read that the 2000-2001 ITR's make a little more power, but is the power spread better, worse, or the same for auto-x? In other words, is the car peakier now with less midrange or is it stronger everywhere?

Second, is there a difference in weight between the various years? How about unsprung weight?

Third, any suspension changes of note?

Forth, is no air conditioning available on all years? I don't want or need it.

Thanks.

[Trey]

00/01's had a little more power but seemed negligible at an auto-x.

No suspension changes

97's weight only slightly less due to small things like no rear wiper but were also of a slightly different body styling.

97's and 98's came without AC but any car can easily have it removed.

[Aj]

80% of the 97-98 had a/c and radios in 97 it was an option, but almost everyone opted to get it, after 98 it was standard.

As far as weight, not only are they very close in weight, but the newer ones are actually supposed to be lighter due to a thinner winshield and less friction coating on the bottom of the car.

The suspension seems to be the same, other then minor changes in the valving for the struts, I thinks they are pretty much identical.

As far as the power goes, you get a little more across the board, more toward the top, but it responds better, due to a new computer and redesigned wiring harness.

Good Luck......

Aj

[bbqman]

I would say get the lowest mileage, least drag-raced ,old lady owned car you can find.
In auto-X , the difference is in the tires,wheels and driving technique as far as stock class goes.
Good luck and let us know what you find.

[TAG]

The only significant difference I have found is that it's much easier to get an aftermarket performance ECU for the '97 - '98 Type Rs.

TAG